Garment and article hanger



June 2, 1953 R. PEACOCK 2,640,598

GARMENT AND ARTICLE HANGER Filed March 7. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l 630% oz/cock dvaiu A V'ORIVE' Y June 2, 1953 R. PEACOCK 2,640,598

GARMENT AND ARTICLE HANGER Filed March '7. 1950 3 Sh ets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

tin e/: 6 cynacoofi Patented June 2, 1953 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GARMENT AND ARTICLE HANGER Robert Peacock, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Application March 7, 1950, Serial N 0. 148,126

4 Claims. (01. 211-89) My invention relates broadly to garment and article hangers and more particularly to a construction and method of making a garment and article hanger which is universely adaptable for wall or closet mounting or for hanging over a door or suspension in an automobile, bus, railroad train, ship, yacht, trailer, etc. or for ceiling mounting for the suspension of garments and articles.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a construction of readily portable garment and article hanger for multiple suspension of garments or articles by either wall, ceiling or hook suspension.

Another object of my invention is to provide a construction of garment and article hanger which occupies an extremely small amount of space for the capacity provided in the hanging of garments or articles.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of garment or article hanger having suspension means capable of angular adjustment through a range of 360 for facilitating suspension of the device in a variety of positions to accommodate the hanger to existing condi- I tions.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a garment or article hanger by which an assembly may be produced on a mass production scale at minimum cost for the eflicient application thereof in the multiple suspension of garments and articles.

Still another object of my invention resides in the construction of a foldable type of multiple garment and article hanger which may be readily packed and shipped within a small volume and capable when unfolded of relatively large capacity as a hanger for garments and articles.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of multiple hanger for garments and articles in which a multiplicity of spring actuated clips are spacially adjustable on angularly movable loops mounted on a common support for multiple suspension of garments and other articles.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in a symmetrical arrangement of angularly movable loops and spring actuated adjustable clips thereon mounted from a common support as set further more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the composite garment and article hanger of my invention; Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 14; Fig. 6A is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line $ABA of Fig. 14; Fig. '7 is a vertical sectional view through the common supporting plate for the multiplicity of loops taken substantially on line 1-! of Fig. 14 and showing the plate before application of the multiplicity of angularly movable loops thereto; Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the application of the composite garment and article hanger to a ceiling with the loops and spring actuated hangers depending downwardly therefrom; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one of the angularly adjustable loops employed in the structure of my invention; Figs. 10-19 are views illustrating sequential operations in the manufacture of the composite garment and article hanger of my invention in which Fig. 10 designates the blank which has been die stamped with specified apertures formed therein for support of the plate and for the subsequent connection of the hanger hook; Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line II! I of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 shows the next succeeding operation on the blank of Fig. 10 in which the blank is slitted to provide for the, displacement'of the lugs or tabs which support the hook hanger and the angularly adjustable loops; Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line I3i3 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 shows the next succeeding operation which may however be combined with the operation illustrated in Figs. 12 and. 13 and disclosing the shaping of the slitted lugs or tabs for receiving the hook hanger and the ends of the angularly adjustable loops; Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line iii-45 of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is an elevational view of a rod element cut to size preparatory for forming the hanger hook; Fig. 17 is a view of the rod element of Fig. 16 after a pressing operation for forming a limiting head on the end of the rod element; Fig. 18 is an elevational view of the pressed rod of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View of the plate support with the rod element assembled through the lugs or tabs thereon and bent to shape serving as a hook hanger capable of 360 adjustment.

Referring to the drawings in more detail,

reference character I designates the common plate support for the multiple hanger of my invention which is provided with spaced apertures 2, 3 and 4 to facilitate the attachment of the plate support against a wall or other vertical surface or as indicated in Fig. 8 against the horizontally extending ceiling 5. The plate I is attached to the ceiling as indicated in Fig. 8 by means of fastening screws such as 2a and 30. whereby the multiplicity of loops which I have designated at 6 I, 8, 9, Ill, II and I2 depend downwardly for suspending the spring actuated clips in garment or article attaching position. In Fig. 1 the hanger is illustrated in a position for vertical suspension and the loops extend downwardly in an inclined direction as indicated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. The suspending plate I in Fig. 1 is suspended in a vertical plane by means of hook I4 having a a flattened end I5 forming a limited abutment for the end of the rod element constituting the hook I4, with respect to the tab or lug I6 which extends normal to the plane of the surface of the suspending plate I. Tab or lug I'I formed from the material of plate I is spaced immediately above tab or lug I6 and serves as a guide means for the rod element constituting the hook hanger I4. The hook hanger I4 may extend over the conventional horizontally extending rod I8 in a clothes closet or over the top edge of a door for providing multiple garment or article suspension through the use of the device of my invention. The hook hanger I 4 is capable of rotation through 360 so that the entire hanger when suspended in a closet from the conventional closet rod may be rotated to facilitate access to the garments or articles suspended by the device.

The loops 6-I2 heretofore alluded to show in perspective View in Fig. 9 including a rod member such as 6 bent normal thereto to form side portions represented at 6a and 6b which are subsequently bent toward each other in spaced parallel relation to the front of the loop as represented at 60 and 6d. These inwardly directed portions 50 and 6d are ofiset as represented at Be and (if to form pivotal connecting means for establishing swiveling connection with the tabs or lugs struck from the material of supporting plate I. I have represented these tabs or lugs which pivotally support the horizontally extending loops as arranged in aligned sets at 20a; 29b, 20c and 2012; 2m, 2w, Me and ZId; 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d; 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d; Ma, 24b, 24c and 24d; 25a, 25b, 25c andZEd; 26a, 25b, 26c and 25d. These lugs or tabs are shaped to form vertically directed hooks which receive and form swivel suspension means for the inwardly directed portions of the loops as represented in Fig. 4 at 5 11, 8f, 91, I9 Hi and I2 By virtue of the swivel support of each of the spaced loops 'BI2, the loops are each capable of wide angular displacement facilitating the support of garments or articles on the spring actuated clips which are specially adjustable on the horizontally extending portions of each of the loops.

The spring actuated clips were arranged in pairs on each of the horizontally extending portions of the loops 6I2 and I have represented these at 21a, 21b; 28a, 28b; 2911,2911; 30a, 30b; 3Ia, 3Ib; 32a, 32b; and 33a, 331). Each of the spring actuated clips comprises a pair of finger controlled portions shown more particularly in Fig. 2 as including coacting channel shaped members 21' and 21" having inwardly directed side portions through which the horizontally extending portion of the loop I0 extends. The coil spring 21 has the ends thereof bearing against the inside of the finger actuating portions of the clip for yieldably maintaining the gripping jaws of the clip which I have represented for example at 21". These jaws grip the edges of the garment or other article and may be yieldably attached or detached with respect thereto by pressure of the fingers exerted against the finger portions of the spring actuated clips. By relieving the tension exerted by the channel shaped portions 21' and 21" with respect to the rod III by pressing the finger portions of the clip together the special position of the clip along the horizontally extending portion of the loop may be adjusted. While I have shown in Fig. 1 a symmetrical distribution of the spring actuated clips, it will be fully understood that the clips are slidable along the horizontally extending portions of the loops to give desired position to suit any width garment, towel, hat, etc. to be suspended by the hanger and a symmetricalarrangement has no bearing on the utility of the item;

The description of my invention thus far has been restricted to the structural arrangement of the parts of the device. My invention also involves the method of making the device and the sequence of operations employed in form:- ing the structure. In Figs. 10-19 I have shown these sequential steps. In Fig. 10 I have shown the plate I as it is die stamped with apertures 2, 3 and 4 punched therein and also with apertures 34 and 35 which subsequently receive the rod element I 4, punched therethrough on a central vertical axis through the plate. Fig. 11 shows in vertical section substantially on line II--II of Fig. 10 the spaced positions of apertures 34 and 35 in plate I.

In Figs. 12 and 13 I have illustrated the next succeeding operation in which plate I is symmetrically slitted at I6 and II for forming the lugs or tabs I6 and I1; and at'20a', 20b, 20c and 20d; 2Ia', ZIb, M0 and Zld; 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d; 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d; 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d; 25a, 25b, 25c and 25d; 260;, 26b, 26c and 26d. The tabs or lugs thus slitted are shaped as represented in Figs. 14 and 15 wherein the tabs or lugs I6 and I! are bent in planes normal to the plane of supporting plate I and lugs or tabs 20a, 29b. 20c and 29d, etc. are shaped in the form of hooks for enveloping the offset portions such as 6e and SI of the horizontally extending loops and providing the swi'veled mounting therefor. The shaping of the lugs or tabs is performed simultaneously and may be combined with the operation of slitting described in Figs. 12-13 in one die stamping operation by which the lugs or tabs are slitted and shaped to produce the final form illustrated in Figs. 14-15.

In Figs. 16-19 I have shown the operations for forming the hook hanger where the rod element I4 shown in Fig. 16 is initially subjected to a press operation for forming the flattened head I5 on the end thereof as represented in Figs. 1'7 and 18. The rod element I4 is then slid through the aligned apertures 34 and 35 in tabs or lugs l6 and I? as illustrated in Fig. 19 and the upper end thereof shaped in a special press to form the hook represented at Ida. TO allow 360 movement of rod element It the flattened head I 5 is so spaced by apertures 34' and 35 in lugs or tabs I! and 16, from the front plane surface of supporting plate l and the flattened end so aligned with the aperture Ilia which remains in supporting plate I after shaping of tab or lug It that the flattened end l5 of rod element H5 is free to revolve without encountering obstruction with respect to any part of supporting plate I.

The hanger of my invention is practically universal in its scope: it being suited for domestic use as well as in vehicles, luggage, etc. The following tabulation gives a partial description of the various applications:

1. With the hook drawn up, it can be hun over a door of a room, closet, etc. and suspend dresses, underwear, mens trousers, slacks, etc., childrens clothing, towels, wash cloths, etc.

2. With the hook drawn up, it can be hung over a suspension rod in a clothes closet, then when the clothes are hung, the entire hanger with its suspended garments can be swung around to any angle desired in the closet such as 90 from suspension rod and a great amount of space saved, while the garments are being protected from crushing and wrinkling.

3. With the hook drawn up, it can be hung over any convenient rod or bracket and be used in an automobile, bus, railroad train, ship, yacht, trailer, etc.

4. With the hook depressed and not in use, the hanger can be fastened vertically in any convenient place by means of screws through screw holes provided, such as the back of a door, wall, etc., and used in a permanent position With as many garments as desired clipped thereto. With limited closet space in many homes or trailers, this method is very desirable.

5. With the hook depressed and not in use, the hanger can be fastened to the underside of any shelf by means of screws through the screw holes provided. It will then be horizontal and the hangers with their clips will hang vertically and be capable of suspending skirts, etc. in a very convenient and safe manner. This method has also wide application in kitchens, near the sink, for dish towels, etc. and in bathrooms for towels, hand laundry, wash cloths, etc.

6. For travellers, garments can be clipped to the hanger and the entire assembly of hanger and garments placed in a suitcase or wardrobe trunk. At destination, all garments are ready for being suspended as a unit in a hotel room, motel, etc. with great safety to the garments and convenience and space saving to the owner.

7. For garments that are to be stored for a season in attic, etc.

I have found the multiple hanger of my invention highly practical in both production and use but I realize that modifications in detail may be made and I desire that it be understood that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is as follows:

1. A multiple hanger comprising a fiat plate member, a pair of spaced lugs struck from said plate member along the central axis thereof and adjacent the top edge of the plate member, a suspension hook connected with said lugs, lu members struck from said plate member on each side of said spaced lugs and substantially rectangularly shaped Wire loop members having inwardly directed ends mounted for angular movement in said lug members, each of said loop members being angularly movable with respect to the plane of said plate members through an angular distance of approximately 2. A multiple hanger as set forth in claim 1 in which said suspension hook terminates in a head which is swivelled beneath one of said lugs and suihciently spaced from said plate member to allow 360 rotation of said suspension hook and wherein said suspension hook includes a linear portion passing through the other of said lugs for guiding said plate member as said plate member is moved about said suspension hook.

3. A multiple hanger comprising a flat plate member, a suspension member connected with said plate member in a position permitting 360 rotation of said plate member, a multiplicity of spaced horizontally aligned outstruck lugs on said plate member and substantially rectangularly shaped wire loop members having inwardly directed ends mounted for angular movement in said outstruck lugs, each of said loop members being angularly movable with respect to the plane of said plate member through an angular distance of approximately 180, said horizontally aligned outstruck lugs being arranged in pairs on each side of the axis of the suspension member and the termini of the inwardly directed ends of said loop members being oifset in relation to the ends to engage the pairs of outstruck lugs.

4. A multiple hanger comprising a flate plate member, a suspension member connected with said plate member in a position permitting 360 rotation of said plate member, a multiplicity of spaced horizontally aligned outstruck lugs on said plate member and substantially rectangularly shaped wire loop members having inwardly directed ends mounted for angular movement in said outstruck lugs, each of said loop members being angularly movable with respect to the plane of said plate member through an angular distance of approximately 180, said suspension member being connected with said plate member through a pair of lugs struck from said plate member intermediate said plurality of outstruck lugs.

ROBERT PEACOCK.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 691,368 East i Jan. 21, 1902 728,118 Lehmann May 12, 1903 886,116 Custer Apr. 28, 1908 1,119,135 Anderson Dec. 1, 191 1,130,378 Collis Mar. 2, 1915 1,450,961 Otterbein Apr. 10, 1923 1,525,138 Leath Feb. 3, 1925 1,557,989 Dombrowsky Oct. 20, 1925 1,984,821 Boruff Dec. 18, 1934 2,279,760 Pease Apr. 14, 1942 2,303,014 Williams Nov. 24, 1942 2,458,820 Zimmermann Jan. 11, 1949 2,580,193 Richterkessing Dec. 25, 1951 

